African Powder Glass Beads – 17-18mm Fancy Krobo Bicone Strand

Discover a stunning strand of NEW African powder glass beads, handcrafted by the skilled artisans of Kroboland, Ghana. This exquisite strand is a beautiful imitation of the classic Venetian "King" bicone glass trade beads, offering a perfect blend of tradition and artistry.

• Strand length: Approximately 26" (66 cm) of beads
• Bead size: 17-18 mm in diameter

Each bead is meticulously handmade from recycled bottles and glass items, which are crushed into powder, molded, and then transformed into these intricate bicone shapes. These sustainable and eco-friendly beads celebrate both tradition and creativity.

The Art of Krobo Beadmaking

The Krobo people of Ghana use a time-honored technique to produce these fancy Krobo beads. Once the glass powder is molded, artisans carefully apply intricate patterns and vibrant designs using a combination of powdered glass, natural dyes, and hand-etched motifs. Wooden and metal tools add detailed decoration to each bead, making every piece a work of art.

After decoration, the beads are fired in traditional kilns at high temperatures. This process fuses the glass and sets the designs permanently, giving the beads their remarkable texture and durability. These beads are not just adornments but hold deep cultural significance, symbolizing trade, craftsmanship, and the vibrant heritage of West Africa.

YOUR STRAND WILL BE IDENTICAL TO THE STRAND SHOWN IN THE PHOTOGRAPH (GIVEN NORMAL VARIATION SINCE THESE BEADS ARE ALL COMPLETELY HANDMADE).

Embrace the beauty of African artistry with this unique strand of Krobo bicone beads – a perfect addition to your jewelry-making or bead collection.

Explore more Krobo Glass Beads here.

View archived African-made beads in our collection.

Watch how Krobo beads are made.